Search - Howard Shore, Mask :: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Yanni in chain mail

Anthony D. Della Ratta | 01/24/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I picked up these CDs, thinking that it was the orchestral soundtrack to LOTR. Not exactly.



Upon listening to the contents, I noted that the recording sounded distinctly different from the orchestral music of the films. After closer inspection of the package, I see now that it is "performed by Mask."



I have a feeling that "Mask" is basically one person armed with a battery of synthesizers. Listening to the CDs, I have this mental image of Yanni, outfitted in chain mail, giving a one-man keyboard concert from the highest level of Minas Tirith....



Then again, Howard Shore's music is so strong that the CD's are not an entirely disagreeable listening experience. I find myself actually liking them at times, not for the synthesizer timbre, which is sometimes painful, but because they actually sometimes closely evoke the orchestral score.



But really, if you want the LOTR soundtrack, get the orchestral recording, not this!"

A disaster

Smonocco | Ireland | 05/19/2008

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Howard Shore's original soundtrack recordings for L.O.T.R. are my favourite music releases. This simply doesn't do them justice. The music appears to have been performed on a keyboard and most of the tracks are in the wrong order with several left out. Most tracks that are included just consist of part of the particular song being repeated; Into The West appears twice- presumably to use up space. The music itself is performed poorly- they make lots of mistakes with the tempo, etc. The singing, while bearable, is also pretty bad. I have a feeling they just wanted to take advantage of the popularity of the scores and make some easy money. Please don't be fooled into thinking you are going to get the soundtrack cheaper. I would strongly reccomend that you get the Complete Recordings boxsets if you really want to experience the true magnificence of these scores."

I Paid the Price

Clinton E. Hunt | Baltimore, MD | 04/29/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I paid the price for my own assumptions and for moving too quickly to purchase. I thorough reading of the product description and the track list would have saved me the money I tossed out the window on this audio disappointment. The packaging is slick enough that a quick glance on my part led to believing that this was a packaged soundtrack trilogy, rather than a mediocre rendering by Mask. I'd return it, but it's already opened; I'd burn it, but that would increase atmospheric toxins; I'd bury it, but who knows how long it would take to break down - I guess I'm just stuck with looking at it until we start launching trash into the sun."